I cannot stop thinking about all of the ladies who are competing for the title of Miss Vermont this weekend. I remember this time a year ago-- the chaos that comes along with packing, the final preparations, and the strong desire to consume massive amounts of chocolate while making sure every piece of wardrobe fits perfectly. There were tons of little things to worry about and to possibly over-think--and for any contestant who may be reading this, I am sending positive energy your way!
The anxious/excited/nervous/determined/curious/prepared etc. feelings that you may be feeling right now are completely normal...and to be honest, I have these same feelings right now too!
I am anxious to know the results. I am anxious to get this fun weekend started--because something that I love about the Miss America Organization is the incredible women who participate in this program. I've made so many friendships by participating in Miss Vermont and then becoming Miss Vermont, and I know I will leave this weekend with more friendships as well. I had the opportunity to meet you all at orientation, and I know we're going to have fun. It's because of all of you that I am excited! It's incredible to watch a dream unfold.
But at the same time, I am nervous. I'm nervous because for the past year I have lived and breathed the title of Miss Vermont. It's something that I've treasured and it's a title that I worked hard to fulfill with grace and gratitude every day. I will truly miss being your Miss Vermont--I feel nervous because I'm not sure what the next chapter of my life will bring, but I suppose that's what makes life exciting.
I am determined to keep fulfilling the goals that I've set this year and to continue living out the role of Miss Vermont. Being Miss Vermont has been an incredible gift, because along with all of the skills I've developed, I've been able to see first-hand the power that one person can have on making a positive difference. I was talking to a friend earlier today about how I will miss being Miss Vermont because of the reactions I get from children. I was telling my friend that when I have a crown on, the smile on a child's face is so precious...and when I talk to that child, I feel like they really listen and they understand the message I am trying to send their way. Because my platform is Youth Empowerment, I feel like I've been able to inspire many of our children to realize their potential for greatness. With the crown and title of Miss Vermont, I feel like I've been able to show children that they are valuable assets for our communities; I hope I've been able to show them that they are so special and so important. Miss Vermont is a role model, and I will miss that responsibility.
My friend responded to this story in a wonderful way--he helped me see this transition I'm about to face in a whole new light. He said: "Laura, kids notice your smile before they see the crown."
I may not be able to wear to crown much longer, but I will always be able to share a smile...and a smile is certainly a powerful thing. I am determined to continue inspiring positive change and making a difference. If I've left any legacy after this year...I hope people will remember me for my positive spirit, my genuine smile, and for being an approachable and warm Miss Vermont. If any of those qualities were recognized by someone, I know I have succeeded.
I am curious to see what this year will bring for the new Miss Vermont and all of the ladies who continue to work with our organization. The first thing I was told after I became Miss Vermont was that "this year is what you make of it"--every Miss Vermont has a unique experience. We will be introducing local titles for our contestants this July...I am curious and excited to see what all of our wonderful participants do within the next year! There is much opportunity for greatness.
I am prepared. Thankfully my Miss America wardrobe still fits (although I sure have gone back to eating my chocolate and cheeseburgers!). I have practiced my talent and spent many hours working on the opening number. I have been working on saying all of my final thank yous. I have been having a wonderful final week. I feel prepared and ready to crown the next Miss Vermont, because I know I've exhausted myself by living out this role to the best of my ability. I gave it my all and loved every minute of it. I have no regrets because I know everything happens for a reason. I am thankful that I've been able to stay in school while being Miss Vermont and I appreciate our organization for understanding the importance of both roles; Miss VT and College Senior. The things I'll miss most as Miss Vermont are things that I can continue to do...I can continue being a role model, I can continue being an advocate for the Children's Miracle Network and for youth empowerment. I can continue working with the Miss Vermont Organization...and I am excited to add a new role to my list; mentor for Miss VT 2010.
This post is already longer than I intended, but I have a little bit of last minute advance. I'll start my mentor role in advance:
Ladies, you have all worked hard and prepared for this moment. When you arrive at the Sheraton tomorrow, just live in the moment. Enjoy getting to know each other. Have fun at the appearances we're doing this weekend. Don't worry about the competition itself...you are ready. You've already thought about it enough. Instead, you have a great opportunity to step in the shoes of Miss Vermont this weekend before one of you is crowned Miss Vermont.
Something that I've learned is that the competition is one weekend. That's it. It is one night. The title of Miss Vermont is for a year. Focus on the job of Miss Vermont. Don't worry about your swimsuit walk, your talent...don't worry about on-stage question--I promise you'll be able to answer your question! Just live in the moment and enjoy--it's too quick of a weekend to not enjoy the experience. Not everyone has the courage or the confidence that you possess--be proud of your accomplishments, be proud of who you are. This weekend, let your inner beauty shine. Show the judges, the contestants, the volunteers, the audience- the person that you are. You are already a leader, a role model. Love yourself. Stay positive. Believe in yourself.
You need to know that this is an individual competition. There is no use worrying about any of the other contestants because you have no control over their performance. You have no control over what the judges are looking for. You only have control of yourself; your attitude, your presence, your gratitude, your positivity, your mindset. Stay focused on why you want this job and why you will make an incredible Miss Vermont. I know you will...now, you just have to continue believing that you are Miss Vermont. Be your authentic self. Do not try to mimic or copy any past titleholder--because trust me, if you are not true to yourself, this will be a difficult year for you. You need to be comfortable in your own skin. There is criticism that comes with this role, there will be stressful days...but you need to keep your passion for this job and what the Miss America Organization stands for front and center. Because although there will be difficult days, I can honestly say that this year is by far the most rewarding year of my life. I am not the same person that I was this time a year ago. I've blossomed in a positive way, and I thank this role and the people in my life for my growth.
Before I arrived at the Sheraton last year, my mom gave me this quote to keep in my mind:
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't...either way you're right." -Henry Ford.
Believe that you can. Stay positive. Enjoy the experience. And know that win or lose, you are always capable of great things.
I cannot wait to see you all tomorrow! Rest up! And hopefully you're not up all night packing like I will be. Is it really already 2am?
We are going to have a great time! You are all extraordinary!
~Laura
Miss Vermont
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